The Artist directed by Michel Hazanavicius

The Artist
PG-13 100 mins. 

Disclaimer: This review is a long time coming BUT well deserved. I stand corrected on my list of Best Films for 2011. The Artist might be my favorite film, thus far. 

For those who are not familiar with the film, it is an homage to silent film, cleverly packaged as... a silent film. 

My Review: The Artist is a romantic French film directed by Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Taking place in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932, the story focuses on the decline of a famous male film star in contrast to the rise of a young starlet, as silent films become replaced by the new medium of cinema, talkies (sound film).

With its recent sweep at the Golden Globes--Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score, and Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and admirably, its solid insertion in practically every film blog or movie critic’s Best Film of 2011 list, it is painfully obvious that this film will not be ignored. And thus we ventured to our nearest theatre that specializes in indie and foreign film and began our journey into the abstruse world of black and white cinema... without dialogue, we might add.

In the beginning of the movie, we become introduced to our main character George Valentin (Dujardin), a beloved silent film star, as a packed audience applauds the premiere of his latest film, A Russian Affair. As we watch Valentin playfully thank his fans for their adoration, we applaud Dujardin for his performance. He embodies that aged elegance that we lack to see in Hollywood these days. From his charismatic and infectious smile, to his adorable sidekick, a spunky Jack Russel Terrier, Dujardin inexplicably transports us back to the roaring twenties and the Golden Age of Cinema.

From there, we watch the actor meet and befriend a young starlet, Ms. Peppy Miller (Bejo). Though he is married at the time, there is quite romance that begins to build between the two. Miller almost becomes a guardian of sorts, as her fame rises with the inception of sound in cinema, and Valentin’s star sinks, as he is quickly ushered out of Hollywoodland to make room for the new fresh faces of these popular new films, talkies. The story builds as Miller never forgets Valentin, remembering his kindness and sincerity when she first started and remains in the shadow of Valentin’s deteriorating life throughout the film.

What we loved about this movie is simply everything. Filmed as a black and white silent film, we were mesmerized by its entirety. Forced to focus on every detail, we consumed it and enjoyed every minute of it. Our daughters even praised it, and added that they liked how the love story of Valentin and Miller, relied on the plot, never showing them kiss. We agree. It is love letter to old cinema (as with Martin Scorsese’s Hugo), and cleverly packaged as a romantic tale of two people hoping to find longevity in very cut throat, but young Hollywood. The characters are so likeable, you cannot help but hope for their happily ever after and the director does this harmoniously with the pairing of a wonderful musical score that helps dictate the tone to the film. The Artists is just brilliant on many levels.

Our final thoughts on the film? It is the Best Film of 2011. And we make our prediction that not only will it be nominated for Best Picture, but will take home the Oscar for it.

Cast and Credit:
Written and Directed by Michel Hazanavicius
Jean Dujardin-George Valentin
Bérénice Bejo-Peppy Miller
John Goodman-Al Zimmer
James Cromwell-Clifton

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick

Hardcover, 526 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press 2007

Book Summary: Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

My Review: Wow! First, obviously I picked up this book after falling in love with the film, Hugo, which is based on the novel. I might add, that Martin Scorsese followed the story to a T. In fact, the story in itself, is considerably short, but greatly enhanced by many, many graphic pictures in the novel.

The story is essentially about a young boy who becomes orphaned after his father is tragically killed in a fire. He is forced to live with his alcoholic uncle, who lives and works inside the Paris train station, maintaining all the clocks.

Depressed, and sadden by his new life, the only thing that Hugo has to be reminded of a time once was, is a unique artifact... An automaton that both he and his father were in the process of restoring. It becomes clear to Hugo, that his focus from this point on, should be completing the project the two started many months ago.

Yet, tragedy strikes again as the boy's Uncle turns up missing. To hide and avoid being forced into an orphanage, Hugo takes it upon himself to continue maintaining all the clocks within the station.

In his spare time, he steals from a toy maker, taking the spare parts to rebuild the automaton. His fears and dreams are all wrapped in this novelty contraption. Yet, it is through these actions that his fears and dreams become reality as he is caught by the toy maker and forced to work in his shop, until his debt has been paid. The unlikely friendship that builds between the toy maker and his goddaughter with Hugo becomes one of mystery, cleverly revealed in this wonderful story through written fiction, pictures and your imagination.

The book is simply fascinating and completely wondrous. I loved reading it and looking at the beautiful sketches. I think that any age will adore this story, whether it be the graphic portions, or the novel itself, it is a book for all ages.

It is a story about friendship and trust, packaged during the rise and fall of Golden Cinema, as Georges Méliès is a very important part of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Excellent story and I give it nothing short, of five stars!

My Favorite Films of 2011

I know every film blog or site has to put together their "Best Of" list, but frankly, who am I to say that a film is the "Best Of" anything! All I can tell you is that my list is subjective... Based only on the films that I have seen. They are my favorite films of the year.

1) The Lincoln Lawyer - Rated R
I really love Matthew McConaughy. Though I think he's a fabulous actor, he'll always be that stoned, naked bongo-playing guy that I adored so much from Dazed and Confused and The Lincoln Lawyer was simply a raw, gritty, crime drama film that reeled me in with its cliches. Though it was predictable, I wouldn't have had it any other way. And Ryan Phillippe was just fantastic as the rich kid with a dark fetish. The chemistry between the two was evident, as well as the chemistry between McConaughy and Marisa Tormei.

2) Bridesmaids Rated R

Of all the comedies this year, Bridesmaids by far was my favorite. Don't get me wrong. I adore Mr. Chow and quote him daily. Yet these women brought something new to the table and I've never laughed so hard, as I did during the bridal fitting. For me, the entire cast was hilarious, including Ben Falcone (Melissa McCarthy's real life husband), who played the Air Marshall on the plane to Vegas--between their talk of hiding iPod's up rear ends, to meats and cheeses... This film is just full of WIN. Enough said.

3) Super 8 Rated PG-13

What I loved about Super 8 and Steven Spielberg's style of directing, is the way that it appeals to the youth in all of us. It is why I will always love Indiana Jones, or tell my children that "Goonies never say die!" It is my happy place, anytime I watch his films. Super 8 captures that good old fashion notion that kids can do anything, if their hearts are in the right place. The adventure is more than the mission, but the bonds that are created in the process. And the cast for this film was perfect. I must admit, I truly love little Elle Fanning. (which I might add, adored in Sophia Coppola's Somewhere) Super 8 was just such a great movie, that even my daughters loved it. And really, isn't that what going to the movies is all about? 

4) Midnight in Paris PG-13

J'aime ce film!!! From the beginning intro of beautiful picturesque scenes of Paris paired with the nostalgic melodies of Sidney Bechet's Si tu vois ma  mère, Woody Allen had me within the first five minutes of this film. The premise of feeling like things were so much better back than, of not being satisfied with the world in which you live, really translates. But, Woody Allen must be my father in real life, because the notion of being an unsatisfied writer, insistent that Paris is the answer... to stroll the streets while it lightly drizzles on you... I think this movie was made specifically for me. I'll be changing my last name to Allen. Plus, Corey Stoll's performance as Ernest Hemingway was just spot on!

5) Rise of the Planet of the Apes PG-13

I feel bad admitting this, but I hated the original Planet of the Apes. So I had to force myself to see this film. But surprisingly, I really loved it. For me, the core of why this film is so good is due to Andy Serkis's  performance. His facial features brought so much emotion to the primate that I actually got a little teary eyed during the scene where Will Rodman's (James Franco) father (John Lithgow) had reverted from the treatment and was eating breakfast with the fork upside down. Ceasar observes this and turns his fork around. (*TEARS*) Can I just say that I love James Franco but I freaking love Ceasar? Plus, I felt better about watching it knowing that no primates were harmed in the film because no primates were used. Oustanding CGI, a fantastic beginning to a franchise, and great acting by Andy Serkis (who deserves an Oscar). 

6) Drive Rated R

Because any character that remains nameless with scorpion on his jacket is ok in my book. This movie was just filled with 80's cheese and I loved every minute of it. There was something very ecletic, but subtle about Drive. It's starts off considerably slow and then builds just at the right moments--scenes that make you kind of sit uncomfortably in your seat because the violence comes out of nowhere. Drive-for me-seals the deal with Ryan Gosling. Plus I loved him in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Shirtless Gosling is like Cowbell. Sometimes you just need more. 

7) 50/50 Rated R

This movie took a subject matter such as cancer, and made it palatable. I felt the pain, the frustration and the fear. But I also felt the hope, the love and friendship, and overall was completely touched by this movie. I think Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an outstanding actor and is quickly becoming one of my favorites. But, I also commend Seth Rogen for his efforts. His humor added to the film just at the right moments and knowing that Rogen is real life friends with Screenwriter Will Reiser (whom the events are loosely based off of), put a realistic aspect to the storyline. I could feel Rogen expressing emotions on a personal level in the film. Great movie, and fantastic cast. I might add that Anna Kendrick was the yin to Gordon-Levitt's yang. The two did not have chemistry but a developing friendship that I wanted to see thrive in the film. 50/50 is great story telling. 

8) Fright Night Rated R

I'm just going to go out on a limb and say that THIS was actually the vampire film this year that I loved. Come on, I adore my Edward Cullen but Fright Night was just the perfect balance of humor and scare. Plus, I think Collin Farrell did a great job--he's the perfect bad guy (as evidences by Horrible Bosses). I actually rewatched this movie a few days ago and you know what, I still love it. Set in Vegas, director Craig Gillespie does everything right, even down to the soundtrack (which has the best version of Jay Z's 99 Problems performed by Hugo). If you're saying to yourself, "The first Fright Night sucked, why would I watch a remake?" Don't fret. I said the same thing and was pleasantly surprised by this remake. For a horror film, I loved it. (Speaking of, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is also on my list of fav horror films for this year. It's on Netflix instant).

9) Hugo Rated PG-13
This movie transcends beyond the silver screen, absorbing you into the world of Hugo Cabret, a young boy that is orphaned, forced to hide in the inner workings of the Paris train station. This film is so good that my concern is for those who did not see this film in 3D. I fear that you have missed something magical, something that cannot be conveyed on a DVD. What Martin Scorsese has done, goes beyond the adaptation of Brian Selznick's novel, but pioneers three dimensional storytelling into new realms. To use the background in its entirety to enhance the story is visually stunning. From the cast, to the story, to the homage to old cinema, there is not one single thing that I do not like about this film. Breathtaking.

10) War Horse PG-13
Just thinking of this movie as I type brings the tears. Hold on... Ok, I'm back. This movie really touched me. I know that there are moments in the film that felt very generic and strategically placed, but I'm a sucker for a well made movie that touches the heart. There is nothing like the unmistakable love that exists between an owner and its animal, and being a dog/cat lover, I could appreciate the lengths this boy goes through to be reunited with his horse. In addition, the setting of WWI is one of my favorites. That era is innocent, yet on the brink of death and destruction.... and for years to come. Between the ongoing drama of war and the experiences of the horse, I found the entire picture heartbreaking but worth every tear shed, even down to it's Gone With The Wind ending.

Honorable Mention:

The Descendants Rated PG-13
I know I should place this film in my top ten list for the simple fact that it was written by a local-Kaui Hart Hemmings, filmed in Hawaii and did a fantastic job of translating the heartbreak and humor of the novel, but truth be told, I was slightly underwhelmed by the film. Having read the book and cried through the pages of torment that Matt King endures, I just did not experience the same emotions when I watched the film. Though the movie is very well made, I just felt like I enjoyed the book more.

Best Foreign Film:

Red Dog - Australia

Based on the legendary true story of Red Dog (a dog that roamed the outback looking for his owner), this film had me at all angles. I laughed hysterically, cried like a baby (which is embarrassing) and cheered for its outcome. Red Dog was just that good. 

I think anytime you tell a true story of pet that exhibits unnatural behavior, a devotion that runs so deep that the animal would lay its life down for its owner, you can't help but be drawn in by its mythical aspect. Red Dog uses the story of a dying dog to recount the lives that the animal has touched; each story different, but humorously depicted. I can't really express how much I love this film. But, unfortunately I have yet to find it available on DVD here in America. But, regardless. Keep it on your "must see" film list. Red Dog is awesome!

So what films did you see this year that you enjoyed?